An exhibition honoring Machteld Mellink-Haspels, a pioneering female archaeologist who made significant contributions to Turkish archaeology, has opened in Kütahya in May 2025. The event took place at the Çini Museum, commencing with the Turkish and Dutch national anthems.
Zekeriya Ünal, the Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the importance of recognizing foreign cultural ambassadors and preserving cultural assets for future generations through such exhibitions. Peti Zendstra, Head of Department at the Dutch Embassy in Ankara, emphasized Haspels' multifaceted contributions as a scientist and educator.
Machteld Mellink-Haspels was not only the first female archaeologist in Turkey but also a dedicated educator at Istanbul University, where she trained numerous archaeologists. Her extensive work in Kütahya and other regions of Turkey has left a lasting legacy, reminding us of the invaluable contributions of women pioneers to the field of archaeology and our understanding of history.